[NEWS UPDATE by Al, K7AR] – As you know, we have had problems and challenges at A31DL. After 5 days of analyzing these problems and looking for ways to solve them, we can say that all the problems we know about have been resolved. We now have two fully functional stations with KPA500 Amps. Here are more details for those interested….. AC mains voltage When we arrived, we just plugged in our equipment and hoped it would work. Well, with the AC power grid varying up to 300 volts and more, equipment was damaged. Bob asked the local power company to look into this issue and they responded quite well. They replaced the hardware on a nearby power pole and the mains voltage is now a constant 234V. 12V power supplies We both carry Power Werx SS-30DV 12-volt power supplies. Both were damaged as a result of excessive AC input. We were very lucky to find an electronics repair shop in central Nuku’Alofa that said they could repair 12V supplies. One supply was repaired by replacing a rectifier bridge, a large electrolytic cap and some smaller caps that exploded . The shop did not have the parts available to repair the other one. But they said we could buy a new 12V source from them and so we did. So now we have 2 working 12V supplies. KPA500 Amplifiers Both KPA500 amplifiers showed error codes and blew fuses when plugged in. Fortunately, the fuses prevented further damage to the amplifiers. Both seem to be working normally now with the AC input voltage being correct. Interference between stations Having two 500W stations within thirty meters of each other has been difficult on every expedition we’ve undertaken, and this one is no exception. When both stations operate in FT8 Fox mode there is no problem since we transmit and receive in the same 15 second cycle. But if one or both stations want to operate on CW, we have problems. It’s an ongoing discussion about ways to resolve this. The installation of a 160 antenna took a backseat to other issues. We will try tomorrow to put the 160m inverted L and the loop. We will be here until February 27th please look for us on air, 73, Al, K7AR and Bob, W7YAQ
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